Developing nanoparticles to deliver targeted radiation to cancer cells
Pancreatic cancer is among the most lethal solid tumours, with limited systemic treatment options. Targeted alpha radiation offers a way to destroy cancer cells, but uncontained radioactive isotopes can drift into healthy tissue rather than remain at the tumour.
Aken Medical is developing nanoparticles that carry treatment and imaging isotopes together to target tumours and track radiation delivery. Its preclinical platform starts with pancreatic and ovarian cancer, aiming to combine treatment and imaging in one injection.
What stands out about Aken Medical
Won an i-Lab Grand Prize in 2025 for its nanoparticle-based approach to cancer treatment and imaging.
Reports platform co-development with CNRS, Inserm, the University of Montpellier, IRCM and Montpellier Cancer Institute.
Reports non-dilutive funding and strategic backing from Bpifrance and France 2030.
CSO and co-founder Tijani Gharbi is a professor and nanotechnology specialist with more than 40 years of experience.
The company identifies radiation oncologist Prof. David Azria as a member of its founding team.
Names Paris Biotech Santé among the programmes that supported early platform development and company structuring.
Reports winning WEgate Nova Awards and an ODDO BHF Prize for its technology and business model.
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